Thailand's first campaign to invite the visually impaired to join
"28th Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon"
- Reaffirms the Bank’s "Diversity and Inclusion" philosophy to Thai community
- Calls for volunteer "Guide Runner", sighted runners to pair blind buddies in 4.5 km and 1.5 km categories
- Launches an inspirational video series telling real-life story of a blind racer and donate 500,000 Baht to the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under H.M. the Queen’s Patronage
Bangkok (August 6, 2015):
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) together with the National Jogging
Association of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the
Ministry of Sports and Tourism, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and
public and private partners launched Thailand’s first "Run with the
Blind" campaign, to support the visually-impaired runners to join the
"28th
Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon" as part of the Bank's philosophy
to promote “Diversity & Inclusion” in the Thai community.
Ms. Lyn Kok, President and CEO, Thailand and Greater Mekong Region, Standard Chartered Bank,
said, "Standard Chartered has been a true partner to Thailand's most
pinnacle run for 10 consecutive years. We are continuing with the
successful theme "Run for a reason" and we encourage all runners to be
aware of the benefit of running. Besides a great exercise, running also
reflects runners’ personal goals and dedication and that is what makes
our marathon unique and loved around the world. The past events have
attracted people from all walks of life, amateur and professional, from
different backgrounds, ages and cultures.”
With
the Bank being active in giving back to the Thai community, especially
with the visually-impaired population, through "Seeing is Believing" and
Football clinic for the blinds in collaboration with the Liverpool FC,
we have found that the visually-impaired share the same passion for
sports and are just as capable as the sighted.”
This leads the Bank to blend its learning with the marathon and is launching a campaign, called "Run with the Blind". The
campaign will provide opportunity for the visually-impaired to
challenge themselves and take part in the marathon. On this note, the
event is also calling for “Guide Runner” to pair up for the
Micro-Marathon (4.5 km.) and Walker (1.5 km) categories.
This
thinking is built on the back of Standard Chartered's philosophy of
“Diversity and Inclusion” or D&I. It refers the fact that all of
us are different, whether they are ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, identity, age, and physical condition. We need to
understand and to learn how to include this in life.
Those
interested to become Guide Runner are required to have basic knowledge
on running, voice command and sense of direction, strong physical
condition, and most importantly an understanding of unique requirement
of the visually-impaired. The bank will host a one-day workshop "Run
with the Blind Activity" free of charge to equip Guide Runners with
techniques and additional know-how. Event is scheduled for Saturday,
September 5, 2015 at Benjasiri Park (next to The Emporium, Sukhumvit
Rd.) during 07.00-11.00 a.m. For more information about Guide Runner :
02-538-0057."
Ms. Kok
added that, "The bank is also launching a five-part reality video
series to create awareness on capability and potential of the blinds and
to inspire those facing problems in life. Viewers can take part
through “sharing” the video through Facebook, where the Bank with donate
1 Baht for every sharing for up to 500,000 Baht through December 15,
2015. The money will be donated to the Blind in Thailand under the Royal
Patronage of H.M. the Queen.
The
series, called "Run with the Blind" tells a real-life story of Mr.
Pramote Inthong, a former messenger who lost eye-sight after a motor
accident. Struggling with his disability, he is fighting to prove
himself and regain acceptance from his family through finishing a run at
the “28th
Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon.” He will be trained and joined by
Mr. Jirawat Meesook, a former national Paralympics athlete and coach
for the visually-impaired athletes. The series will be posted on www.facebook.com/StandardCharteredTH starting August 6 and last episode will be available in December 2015.
The visually-impaired and Guide Runner volunteers for "Run with the Blind" can apply at guiderunner2015@gmail.com or call 02-538-0057.
For other persons (all running categories), the application is open until August 31, 2015. Contact the National Jogging Association of Thailand at 02-2807667-8 or visit www.bkkmarathon.com for more information.
